Operations Director – FMCG / Manufacturing at Robert Walters

Description

• The Chief Operations Officer / Operations Director will lead the organisation’s end-to-end operations and supply chain, ensuring operational excellence, efficiency, quality, safety and sustainable business growth.
• The role will oversee Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, R&D/NPD, Engineering, HSE, Planning, Logistics and Warehousing, driving integration and performance across all operational functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end operations and supply chain strategy in alignment with business objectives.
• Oversee Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, R&D/NPD, HSE, Planning, Logistics and Warehousing.
• Drive operational excellence, productivity, cost optimisation, capacity utilisation and continuous improvement.
• Ensure high standards of product quality, safety, regulatory compliance and operational risk management.
• Optimise production planning, inventory, logistics, warehousing and overall supply chain performance.
• Lead capital projects, asset reliability, maintenance and operational technology initiatives.
• Drive innovation, new product development and successful industrialisation of new products.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs covering cost, quality, service, productivity, safety and working capital.
• Build and develop high-performing operational leadership teams and strengthen succession capabilities.
• Partner with the MD/CEO and Executive Leadership Team on strategic, financial and operational priorities.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business or a related field; postgraduate qualification is advantageous.
• 15+ years’ experience in operations, manufacturing and/or supply chain leadership.
• Strong experience in FMCG or a complex manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record leading multiple operational pillars across their career, including manufacturing, engineering, quality, logistics, planning and/or R&D.
• Demonstrated experience managing large teams, operational budgets and capital expenditure.
• Strong track record of delivering improvements in productivity, cost, quality, service and operational efficiency.
• Experience in operational transformation, continuous improvement and supply chain optimisation.
• Strong strategic, commercial, analytical, leadership and stakeholder-management capabilities.